Archaeological Institute of America

AIA Türkiye: From Göbekli Tepe to Mount Nemrut & the Tigris River tour
2026-10-09 - 2026-10-21 | MI
Travel with us beyond classical Türkiye, with its monumental, Greco-Roman ruins and Aegean sea backdrops. Find more history–and prehistory–amid the beauty of southeastern Türkiye, on a route less traveled, between Tarsus, the birthplace of St. Paul, and Diyarbakır, set along the banks of the famous Tigris River that helped form the cradle of civilization. Along the way you will see the world’s earliest monumental temples, dating back over 10,000 years; explore excellent archaeological and mosaic museums; and enjoy diverse architecture, from beehive-style mud houses to rock tombs, and early monasteries to mosques. Enjoy local cuisine, perhaps especially during our two-night stay in Gaziantep, a city famous across Türkiye for its cuisine; and explore bazaars and workshops with local artisans and craftspeople. Our AIA lecturer is intimately familiar with this region’s deep history and diverse cultures.
Highlights include:
– Göbekli Tepe and Karahan Tepe, two prehistoric sites dating back to 9500-8000 B.C., suggesting that complex societies and monumental architecture existed well before the advent of agriculture
– The world-famous, 19-foot-tall statues and burial sanctuary of King Nimrod (Antiochus I Theos), at more than 7,000 feet above sea level in Mount Nemrut National Park
– Karatepe-Aslantaş National Park, Türkiye’s first open-air museum, with well-preserved Hittite ruins and statues dating from the 8th century B.C.
– Dara, one of the most important trade centers of ancient Mesopotamia, featuring rock tombs dating back to the 5th century A.D.
– The flooded ancient city of Hasankeyf (flooded in 2020 for dam construction), whose artifacts were removed to the Batman Archaeological Museum that we will visit, and some of whose important structures we will visit at a new, nearby location
– Diyarbakır’s city walls, the second-longest on Earth (after China’s Great Wall), which contain a castle and a medieval church
– Fascinating museums, such as the Zeugma Mosaic Museum, the world’s largest mosaic museum, with exquisite Hellenistic Greek and Roman mosaics; and the Haleplibahçe Mosaic Museum, a domed structure protecting a Roman villa complex that was saved from a 2006 urban construction project
– An optional, post-tour extension to Lake Van, including visits to Van (Tushpa) Castle, center of the Kingdom of Urartu in the 9th to 6th centuries B.C., and the ruins of the Urartian fortress of Sarduri-Hinili at Çavuştepe

AIA The Legacy of the Etruscans: Latium, Umbria & Tuscany tour
2026-10-12 - 2026-10-23
Discover the world of the ancient Etruscans, a pre-Roman civilization that flourished between the Tiber and Arno Rivers in what is now Tuscany during the first millennium B.C. (1000-100 B.C.). The extent of the impact that the Etruscans’ legacy had on the Greeks and Romans, through to our contemporary world, is still coming to light. Join Dr. Pieraccini and a small group of like-minded fellow travelers to explore and further understand the realm of the Etruscans.
Highlights include:
•The marvelous cities of Rome and Florence, plus journeys through spectacular countryside to lesser-visited medieval and Renaissance towns
•Outstanding Etruscan necropolises with brightly-painted scenes of feasting and dancing covering the walls of rock-cut chamber tombs, monumental tumuli, and house tombs. These include the UNESCO World Heritage Sites of Cerveteri and Tarquinia, as well as Sovana with its Tomba Ildebranda
•Important Etruscan towns, including Volterra, which also boasts a charming historical center; and Orvieto, with its striking Etruscan acropolis
•Many splendid museums with unparalleled collections of Etruscan artifacts, such as Etruscan bronze sculptures, plus Phoenician gold and Greek vases obtained through extensive trade networks. These include the National Etruscan Museum of Villa Giulia and Vatican City’s Gregorian Etruscan Museum
•Lectures, discussions, and the company of our expert AIA lecturer/host, Lisa Pieraccini
•Generous comfort at well-located, 4-star hotels; fine cuisine and wine; plus a special home-hosted dinner in Florence

Arkhaios Cultural Heritage and Archaeology Film Festival
2026-10-12 09:00 - 2026-11-18 00:00 (America/New_York)
The multi-day Arkhaios Cultural Heritage and Archaeology Film Festival is an annual juried competition, part of Archaeology Month celebration. It is free, open to the public, and is an educational event showcasing the discovery of past cultures gained from ethnological or archaeological research, and illustrated through documentary films.
The Virtual Edition is an international online screening of all the Official Selection films. During the week of the Festival, there are several in-person Arkhaios Festivals in the US, showing the best films from the Arkhaios Official Selections.

AIA Life, Luxury & Leisure in Ancient Rome tour
2026-10-14 - 2026-10-25
Immerse yourself in the opulence and grandeur of ancient Rome while uncovering the secrets of daily life, the indulgence of luxury, and the pursuit of leisure that helped to define one of the most influential civilizations in history. Our adventure
begins in Rome, heart of the Roman Empire, where we witness the architectural marvels that stand as a testament to Rome’s engineering prowess. At the Baths of Caracalla, learn about the interesting Roman bathing culture and the significance of these
communal spaces in Roman society. Delve into the world of luxury in ancient Rome with visits to the opulent villa in Tivoli and the well-preserved remains of ancient cities frozen in time by the eruption of Mount Vesuvius. Learn about the daily lives and
customs of the Romans through beautifully preserved frescoes and artifacts, as well as the exquisite art, landscaping, and leisure pursuits enjoyed by the Roman elite. Throughout the tour, archaeologist and professor Crispin Corrado will guide the group at many sites, offer several lectures, and be available to engage in discussions. Whether you are an avid archaeology or history enthusiast, or simply curious about one of history’s greatest civilizations, this journey will provide a deep understanding and appreciation of ancient Rome’s enduring legacy.
Highlights include:
• A custom-designed itinerary with five nights in central Rome, two nights in Naples, and three nights in Sorrento
• Visits to several UNESCO World Heritage Sites:
o Spend a full day exploring Rome’s ancient monuments, including the Roman Forum, the House of Augustus on the Palatine Hill, the Domus Aurea, and the Colosseum
o Enjoy a day trip to Tivoli for visits to Hadrian’s Villa, a 2nd-century A.D. complex; and the Villa d’Este, a Renaissance masterpiece of garden and villa architecture
o Explore Pompeii and Herculaneum, both of which were buried (and preserved) by the eruption of Mt. Vesuvius in A.D. 79; as well as Villa Poppea (Oplontis), an ancient villa with incredible wall paintings
• The collections of Rome’s Capitoline Museums, with magnificent Classical and Renaissance art; the awe-inspiring Pantheon; and the superb Naples Archaeological Museum
• Carefully selected, 4- and 5-star hotels
• Our group size is limited to 16, and you will also be accompanied by a professional tour manager, and expert local guides, who will handle the details so you can relax, experience, and learn.

Tanzania Safari: Human Origins & the Great Migration
2027-01-02 - 2027-01-13
Experience the Serengeti’s Great Migration, and view two significant human origin fossil sites plus magnificent savannah and volcanic landscapes, including Ngorongoro Crater. Stay at exclusive and luxurious tented camps, and travel in spacious, four-wheel drive safari vehicles.
Highlights are many:
• Leading our group of just 16 participants is paleoanthropologist & naturalist Dr. William Harcourt-Smith and expert driver/guides.
• Spend three days experiencing the spectacular “Great Migration,” when hundreds of thousands of wildebeest, along with tens of thousands of zebra, amass in the Lake Ndutu area of the southern Serengeti ecosystem.
• Spend three days exploring the Great Rift Valley and the remarkable Ngorongoro Crater, an extinct volcanic crater 10 to 12 miles in diameter that is teeming with African wildlife.
• Spend two days at Lake Natron, at the foot of Ol Doinyo Lengai, an active volcano, and visit the archaeological site of Engare Sero, where your AIA lecturer has worked for two seasons—it has the largest assemblage of fossil footprints on the African continent.
• Visit the famous Oldupai (Olduvai) Gorge and its museum with your expert AIA lecturer, learning about the important hominid fossils and tools found there.
• Stay for two days at the beginning, plus a day room at the end, at a luxurious resort and spa hotel in Arusha and visit Arusha National Park.
• Enjoy eight nights at luxurious tented lodges in ideal locations, offering the amenities of a well-appointed hotel with the adventure of being under canvas.
• Travel in Land Cruiser safari vehicles with extra sitting room and space to stand, look, and photograph out all sides of their large, pop-up roof hatches.

Maya Pyramids & Temples of Yucatan
2027-01-30 - 2027-02-07
This incredible nine-day holiday provides the best-paced itinerary available to see the sun-drenched Yucatán peninsula’s ancient sites, traditional Maya villages, and colonial architecture. Maya art and architecture abound, with visits to the UNESCO World Heritage Sites of Chichén Itzá and Uxmal, plus Ek Balam, Dzibilchaltun, and more: iconic as well as off-the-beaten-path sites with soaring pyramids, distinctive temple complexes, and wonderful sculpture. There is free time to bird watch, shop for crafts, or
relax, reflect, and enjoy our excellent accommodations. Enjoy two nights at the Villas Arqueológicas Chichén Itzá (next to Chichén Itzá) and three at the Hacienda Uxmal (next to Uxmal). Maximum of just 12 guests.

Jungle Kingdoms of the Ancient Maya
2027-02-18 - 2027-03-03
This immersive experience, co-sponsored by the Archaeological Institute of America (AIA) and the Society of Architectural Historians (SAH), brings together two renowned organizations that are committed to the study and preservation of our shared cultural and architectural heritage. I will be leading this tour as both the former Director of Programs for the AIA and the current Executive Director of SAH. As part of a small group of no more than 16 guests, join me on this winter getaway to delve deep into the legacy of the ancient Maya. Marvel at stucco friezes, towering pyramids, and painted frescoes as we visit some of the most significant and visually stunning archaeological sites in the region, including Palenque, Bonampak, Yaxchilán, Tikal,
Yaxhá, Copán, and Quiriguá—four of which are UNESCO World Heritage Sites. You will also enjoy time to reflect, relax, or go bird watching in serene natural settings from our comfortable hotels and remote jungle lodges. This is a rare opportunity to experience and imagine Maya civilization while engaging with the still-standing walls of its culture. As space is limited and this tour is available on a first-come, first-served basis, I encourage you to contact AIA Tours soon to reserve your space.

Jungle Kingdoms of the Ancient Maya
2027-02-18 - 2027-03-03
Join us on this tropical adventure that offers the most comprehensive and best-paced exploration of the ancient Maya world amid the verdant jungles and awe-inspiring ruins of Mexico, Guatemala, and Honduras.
This immersive experience, co-sponsored by the Archaeological Institute of America (AIA) and the Society of Architectural Historians (SAH), brings together two renowned organizations that are committed to the study and preservation of our shared cultural and architectural heritage. Ben Thomas will be leading this tour as both the former Director of Programs for the AIA and the current Executive Director of SAH. As part of a small group of no more than 16 guests, join us on this
winter getaway to delve deep into the legacy of the ancient Maya. Marvel at stucco friezes, towering pyramids, and painted frescoes as we visit some of the most significant and visually stunning archaeological sites in the region, including Palenque, Bonampak, Yaxchilán, Tikal, Yaxhá, Copán, and Quiriguá—four of which are UNESCO World Heritage Sites. You will also enjoy time to reflect, relax, or go bird watching in serene natural settings from our comfortable hotels and remote jungle lodges.

Cruising the Mekong River Vietnam and Cambodia
2027-03-01 - 2027-03-14
We invite you to join AIA lecturer and host Miriam Stark on a captivating journey through the rich history and vibrant culture of tropical Indochina on our luxurious tour of Vietnam and Cambodia along the majestic Mekong River. Spend two nights in the bustling metropolis of Ho Chi Minh City (still known as Saigon), a dynamic hub that exudes energy, before embarking the exquisite, 14-suite Mekong Princess, a riverboat that embodies the gracious heritage and beauty of Southeast Asia, combined with a romantic French colonial style and all the modern comforts. Her small size and ultra-shallow draft allow us to experience this mighty river from an intimate perspective. Throughout the journey, Professor Stark will offer a series of lectures, share insights into what you are seeing, and encourage discussions. Local guides will accompany you on all excursions. Cruise the Mekong for seven nights, from Ho Chi Minh City to Siem Reap. The Mekong takes us into the fascinating but seldom-visited world of one of
Asia’s great waterways. Marvel at floating villages whose residents literally live on the water—working, shopping, and even attending school and church. Tour a family-owned orchard, visit a noodle factory and a coconut candy maker, and experiment with typical Vietnamese ingredients during a cooking demonstration. Conclude the program with three nights in Siem Reap, where you can immerse yourself in the world-famous Khmer temples of Angkor, designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Marvel at the remains of different capitals of the Khmer Empire, including the iconic Angkor Wat and the Bayon Temple at Angkor Thom. An optional pre-trip extension to Hanoi and Ha Long Bay is also available.
This adventure is limited to only 24 guests and is co-sponsored with another organization.

Türkiye: Ancient Splendors of the Aegean & Mediterranean
2027-04-11 - 2027-04-24
Many of the most magnificent and best-preserved ancient Greek and Roman sites are found along Türkiye’s beautiful Aegean and Mediterranean coasts. Visit world-famous, plus little-visited yet spectacular, Greco-Roman sites, Byzantine churches, Crusader castles, and Ottoman palaces. Your engaging AIA lecturer/host, Yaşar Ersoy, teaches classical art and archaeology and has been doing fieldwork in Türkiye since 1980. Throughout the program he will offer illustrated talks and informal discussions about the sites you are visiting and their places within the larger ancient Mediterranean world. Along the way, you will enjoy delicious cuisine, comfortable accommodations, and the company of a small group of like-minded fellow travelers. An expert tour manager/local guide will handle logistics and smooth the way.
Highlights:
• Visit four UNESCO World Heritage Sites:
– Historic Areas of Istanbul, including the 6th-century Byzantine church-turnedmosque of Hagia Sophia and Topkapi Palace, the imperial residence of the Ottoman sultans
– Ephesus, the best-preserved classical city in the eastern Mediterranean, whose treasures include ancient villas with splendid frescoes and mosaics, and the 2ndcentury A.D. Library of Celsus
– Aphrodisias, whose Temple of Aphrodite, tetrapylon, large stadium, and baths of Hadrian are unforgettable
– Hierapolis-Pamukkale, where we see the ruins of the baths and temples of a famous 2nd-century B.C. thermal spa
• Marvel at a variety of Greco-Roman sites, including:
– Sardis, former capital of the Lydian Empire and King Croesus, who was defeated by Persian king Cyrus the Great in 546 B.C.
– Didyma’s 7th-century B.C. Temple of Apollo, one of the leading oracles in the ancient world; and the 4th-century B.C. Temple of Athena at Priene, which became the classical model of Greek city planning
– Magnesia on the Meander, renowned for its Artemis cult, which has the ruins of a well-preserved theater and a stadium that could seat 30,000 spectators
– Kibyra, with its magnificent stadium, odeon covered with a Medusa mosaic, late Roman bath, and underground tombs
– Sagalassos, a rarely visited and recently excavated site at an elevation of 5,000 feet, with breathtaking views
– Aspendos, with one of the best-preserved ancient theaters in the world, renowned for its acoustics; and Perge, with its splendid theater, stadium, and enormous Hellenistic and Roman gates
• Explore several fine museum collections, including Istanbul’s Archaeological Museum, Burdur’s Archaeological Museum, and the Antalya Archaeological Museum
• Two flights within Türkiye are included to maximize your time
• An optional extension to central Türkiye is available, including three UNESCO World Heritage Sites: Göreme National Park and the Rock Sites of Cappadocia; Hattusha: the Hittite Capital; and the Neolithic Site of Çatalhöyük. Also visit Ankara, with its superb Museum of Anatolian Civilizations and Konya, the famous center of Sufi mystic Rumi and his followers.

Grand Mediterranean Voyage: Malta to Türkiye
2027-04-11 - 2027-04-24
We invite you to join archaeologist Michael Hoff on an enriching, ten-night voyage through the central Mediterranean and into the Aegean. Experience an extraordinary variety of sites throughout Malta, Sicily, Italy’s “heel,” the island of Corfu and mainland Greece, and Türkiye as we explore some of the most remarkable landscapes and archaeological treasures of the ancient world. Embark in Valletta, Malta, our elegant, home-away-from-home: the 92-stateroom Le Dumont d’Urville, which makes for an ideal
base as we wend our way toward Türkiye. The vessel’s intimate size, inviting public spaces, and attentive service create an ideal setting for both discovery and relaxation.
Highlights include:
• Exploration of Malta’s remarkable prehistoric heritage, including the Tarxien Temples and the even older sanctuary of Ħaġar Qim, along with Valletta’s magnificent Baroque St. John’s Co-Cathedral, home to Caravaggio masterpieces.
• A visit to Syracuse, Sicily, once one of the greatest cities of the ancient Mediterranean, where the vast archaeological park, the monumental Greek theater, and the historic island of Ortygia reveal the city’s Greek and Roman legacies.
• A day in Puglia, discovering Lecce’s exuberant Baroque architecture before exploring the historic port town of Gallipoli, with its winding streets and long history of Mediterranean trade.
• Greece’s lush island landscapes of Corfu, sacred sanctuary of Delphi, dramatic Temple of Poseidon at Cape Sounion, and breathtaking monasteries of Meteora, one of Europe’s most extraordinary cultural landscapes.
• Stepping into the ancient world at Ephesus, one of the best preserved classical cities in existence; and visits to the impressive remains of Perge and Aspendos, including Aspendos’ magnificent Roman theater.
Drawing on decades of excavations and research in Greece and Türkiye, Professor Hoff will offer engaging lectures and insightful interpretations that deepen our understanding of the sites we visit. His talks and conversations will illuminate the historical connections, archaeological discoveries, and cultural traditions that helped shape the Mediterranean world. I hope you will join us for this remarkable journey across the ancient Mediterranean. This program is co-sponsored, so we encourage you to
contact us today at aia@studytours.org or (800) 748-6262 to reserve your preferred stateroom.
